Arlene’s Executive Leadership Training Tip
“We seldom think of what we have, but always of what we lack” Arthur Schopenhauer
I recently worked with a client, who shared a negative feeling about herself, that she couldn’t shake when interacting with others. I asked her more than once, “what are you willing to do differently that can help you change this feeling?” She resisted and stayed stuck for awhile, unable to see what she could do differently.
The breakthrough came, when I suggested that she switch her thinking and start becoming grateful for having these people in her life and what she was receiving from them (even if it was negative). When we go beyond ourselves in certain situations, we are able to identify the true value of an interaction. Whether it is a colleague, subordinate, friend, or a superior, we can view these people as giving us their companionship, friendship, knowledge, and more.
This insight pushed my client to realize how her misguided feelings were preventing her from receiving what others had to offer her. How many times do we enter into an interaction carrying pre-conceived negative thinking about how others may feel or react to us? Try interfacing with others from a place of gratefulness and see what positive changes will appear in your life.
